Brook Court

We visit my father every day at present, when we are not there we know he is cared for well, although due to the staff levels all the residents want is someone to talk to.

I could not have found a nicer place for her to end her days.

My husband died on June 17th. He had been in the home for 2 years and 8 months. The 1st year was excellent. Carers had time to talk to residents and were happy to do their duties. Over the rest of the time as the home filled up, there were not enough staff and they were often so stretched and tired - I felt very sorry for them. The coffee shop was a good idea but was closed quite often because of lack of staff - The last weeks of my husband's life were very good with caring sisters and all the staff making our family welcome to make a peaceful end.

My mother went as a resident to Brook Court after a period in hospital having broken her hip and was unable to care for herself at home. She suffered from dementia and had suffered from expressive dysphasia that resulted in her loss of speech (over two years before entering Brook Court) Mum enjoyed her time at Brook Court. The nursing staff were very helpful and dealt with her medical needs, particularly in two incidence where she fell and needed hospital attention. The carers were kind, sympathetic to her needs and very attentive, particularly in ensuring they understand her condition and ways to communicate. They kept me fully informed of any problems in mum's care requirements, as well as providing a safe, friendly and professional setting.

The personal care my mum received was, at all times, exemplary and she was treated with dignity and respect at all times. I cannot praise care staff highly enough and the end of life care was superb. They do a very difficult job and are frequently understaffed but were always most obliging. Food quality in the year mum was there has varied enormously, but I never felt it reflected adequately the high fees paid. Sometimes it was downright poor and it was never of a high enough quality.

In the ever increasing age levels in this country the need for such a high quality of service will surely be so important and equally hopefully valued.